Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” New Living Translation Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. English Standard Version Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, Berean Standard Bible Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman, King James Bible Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: New King James Version Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, New American Standard Bible Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend, NASB 1995 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend; NASB 1977 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend; Legacy Standard Bible Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend; Amplified Bible Say to [skillful and godly] wisdom, “You are my sister,” And regard understanding and intelligent insight as your intimate friends; Christian Standard Bible Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your relative. Holman Christian Standard Bible Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your relative. American Standard Version Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; And call understanding thy kinswoman: Contemporary English Version Let wisdom be your sister and make common sense your closest friend. English Revised Version Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: GOD'S WORD® Translation Say to wisdom, "You are my sister." Give the name "my relative" to understanding Good News Translation Treat wisdom as your sister, and insight as your closest friend. International Standard Version Say to wisdom, "You're my sister!" and call understanding your close relative, NET Bible Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding a close relative, New Heart English Bible Tell wisdom, "You are my sister." Call understanding your relative, Webster's Bible Translation Say to wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSay to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman, World English Bible Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.” Call understanding your relative, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSay to wisdom, “You [are] my sister.” And cry to understanding, “Relative!” Young's Literal Translation Say to wisdom, 'My sister Thou art.' And cry to understanding, 'Kinswoman!' Smith's Literal Translation Say to wisdom, Thou my sister; and thou shalt call knowledge to understanding: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSay to wisdom: Thou art my sister: and call prudence thy friend, Catholic Public Domain Version Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call prudence your friend. New American Bible Say to Wisdom, “You are my sister!” Call Understanding, “Friend!” New Revised Standard Version Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSay to wisdom, You are my sister; and to understanding, You are my counselor Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Say to wisdom, " You are my sister”, and to understanding, "My expounder of knowledge.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Say unto wisdom: 'Thou art my sister', And call understanding thy kinswoman; Brenton Septuagint Translation Say that wisdom is thy sister, and gain prudence as an acquaintance for thyself; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Warnings about the Adulteress…3Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman, 5that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.… Cross References Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. / Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. / Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ... Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ... Proverbs 8:1-11 Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ... Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Colossians 2:2-3 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” Luke 7:35 But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. Treasury of Scripture Say to wisdom, You are my sister; and call understanding your kinswoman: say Proverbs 2:2-4 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; … Proverbs 4:6-8 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee… Proverbs 11:18-20 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward… Jump to Previous Cry Friend Insight Intelligence Intimate Kinsman Kinswoman Relative Sister Special Understanding WisdomJump to Next Cry Friend Insight Intelligence Intimate Kinsman Kinswoman Relative Sister Special Understanding WisdomProverbs 7 1. Solomon persuades to a sincere and kind familiarity with wisdom6. In an example of his own experience he shows 10. the cunning of a harlot 22. and the desperate simplicity of a young wanton 24. He detests such wickedness Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” In ancient Hebrew culture, the term "sister" signifies a close, intimate relationship. By referring to wisdom as a sister, the text emphasizes the importance of forming a personal and familial bond with wisdom. This relationship is not merely intellectual but deeply personal and protective. Wisdom, personified as a sister, suggests a constant presence and a source of guidance and support. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), indicating that a close relationship with wisdom aligns with a reverent relationship with God. The familial language also echoes the idea of wisdom being a part of one's household, as seen in Proverbs 8:1-3, where wisdom calls out at the city gates, inviting all to embrace her. and call understanding your kinsman, Persons / Places / Events 1. WisdomIn the book of Proverbs, wisdom is often personified as a woman who offers guidance and protection. It represents the divine insight and discernment that comes from God. 2. Understanding Similar to wisdom, understanding is depicted as a close relative, emphasizing the importance of having a deep comprehension of God's ways and truths. 3. Solomon Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. 4. The Family Metaphor The use of familial terms like "sister" and "kinsman" suggests a close, intimate relationship with wisdom and understanding, indicating their importance in one's life. 5. The Book of Proverbs A collection of wise sayings and teachings, primarily focused on imparting moral and practical guidance for living a life that honors God. Teaching Points Value of Wisdom and UnderstandingWisdom and understanding should be cherished and valued as close family members. They are essential for navigating life's challenges and making godly decisions. Pursuit of a Relationship with Wisdom Just as we cultivate relationships with family, we should actively pursue and nurture our relationship with wisdom and understanding through prayer, study, and application of God's Word. Wisdom as a Protective Guide Embracing wisdom and understanding provides protection against the temptations and deceptions of the world, guiding us to live righteously. Integration into Daily Life Wisdom and understanding should be integrated into every aspect of our lives, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Wisdom as a Divine Gift Recognize that true wisdom and understanding come from God and should be sought through prayer and a humble heart. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 7:4?2. How can we "say to wisdom, 'You are my sister'" in daily life? 3. What does Proverbs 7:4 teach about valuing wisdom and understanding? 4. How does Proverbs 7:4 connect with James 1:5 on seeking wisdom? 5. In what ways can understanding be a "kinsman" in decision-making? 6. How can Proverbs 7:4 guide us in resisting temptation today? 7. How does Proverbs 7:4 define wisdom and understanding in a believer's life? 8. Why does Proverbs 7:4 personify wisdom and understanding as family members? 9. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 7:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 7? 11. What does the Bible say about wrathful outbursts? 12. When should you search and when should you give up? 13. Proverbs 26:7: Does the idea of a proverb in a fool's mouth being 'useless' conflict with other Bible passages that suggest all wisdom is beneficial? 14. What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'? What Does Proverbs 7:4 Mean Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”• “Say” implies an intentional, verbal commitment; wisdom is not gained passively but pursued and confessed (Proverbs 2:1-5; James 1:5). • Calling wisdom “my sister” brings the relationship into the inner circle of family, evoking tenderness, trust, and continual nearness (Job 17:14; Matthew 12:50). • In the flow of Proverbs 7, this pure, sisterly bond contrasts the seductive outsider in verses 5-23; embracing wisdom guards the heart from immoral entanglements (Proverbs 7:5; Psalm 119:11). • A sister in the ancient household enjoyed protection and honor; likewise, wisdom shelters and dignifies those who cling to her (Proverbs 4:6; Ecclesiastes 7:12). • Treating wisdom like family highlights her accessibility—always at home, ready to converse, guide, and keep company throughout daily decisions (Proverbs 8:1-3; Colossians 3:16). and call understanding your kinsman, • “Call” stresses conscious recognition; understanding must be named and identified as one’s own (Proverbs 3:5-6). • A “kinsman” or close relative (Ruth 2:20) carries covenantal loyalty—someone who defends, advises, and advocates. Understanding fulfills that protective role, steering believers from danger (Proverbs 2:11-12). • The pairing of wisdom and understanding echoes Proverbs 4:7: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding”. Both qualities are inseparable companions in righteous living. • Relational language underscores that God’s truth is not a distant concept but a personal presence walking with the believer (John 14:26; Psalm 119:104-105). • As a kinsman redeemer rescued family from debt, understanding rescues the mind from deception and folly (Proverbs 14:8; Ephesians 5:15-17). summary Proverbs 7:4 urges believers to adopt wisdom and understanding as their closest family, cultivating an intimate, protective, and loyal relationship with God’s truth. When wisdom becomes a beloved sister and understanding a faithful kinsman, the heart is fortified against temptation, guided toward righteousness, and kept in the safety of God’s design. Verse 4. - Say unto Wisdom, Thou art my sister. Wisdom is personified, and the connection with her indicated by the relationship which best expresses love, purity, confidence. In the Book of Wisdom 8. she is represented as wife. Christ calls those who do God's will his brother, and sister, and mother (Matthew 12:50). Call Understanding thy kinswoman; moda, "familiar friend." Let prudence and sound sense be as dear to thee as a close friend.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Sayאֱמֹ֣ר (’ĕ·mōr) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to wisdom, לַֽ֭חָכְמָה (la·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom “You אָ֑תְּ (’āt) Pronoun - second person feminine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are my sister,” אֲחֹ֣תִי (’ă·ḥō·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 269: Sister -- a sister and call תִקְרָֽא׃ (ṯiq·rā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read understanding לַבִּינָ֥ה (lab·bî·nāh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 998: An understanding your kinsman, וּ֝מֹדָ֗ע (ū·mō·ḏā‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4129: An acquaintance Links Proverbs 7:4 NIVProverbs 7:4 NLT Proverbs 7:4 ESV Proverbs 7:4 NASB Proverbs 7:4 KJV Proverbs 7:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 7:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 7:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 7:4 French Bible Proverbs 7:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 7:4 Tell wisdom You are my sister (Prov. 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